Janice R. Andrews
A tropical cyclone warning has been issued for thousands of Australians as severe thunderstorms, large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain are forecast across parts of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). This marks a stormy start to the week, with communities urged to stay alert and prepared for potential flash flooding and dangerous conditions.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned of severe thunderstorms stretching from Dubbo to Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga on the NSW-Victoria border. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore highlighted the risks of large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding, property damage, and hazardous driving conditions. “We could see trees and power lines down, particularly with those damaging winds,” he said on Sunday.
The wild weather is expected to intensify on Monday, with widespread rainfall of 25 to 50mm predicted across eastern Victoria and central and eastern NSW. Some areas could experience even heavier falls exceeding 100mm, raising concerns about river rises and further flooding.
In Queensland, communities are still reeling from days of heavy rain, with major flood warnings in place for several rivers, including the Herbert, Burdekin, and Flinders. Senior meteorologist Myriam Bradbury warned that 24-hour rainfall totals could reach 250mm, exacerbating flooding risks. “This rain is falling onto saturated land, meaning it will quickly run off and top up already swollen rivers,” she said.
Meanwhile, Western Australia’s north is on high alert for a potential tropical cyclone. A tropical low near the Kimberley coast could develop into a cyclone by Monday, bringing wind gusts of up to 100km/h and heavy rain between Cockatoo Island and Broome. Residents in these areas are advised to monitor updates and prepare for severe weather.
The recent flooding in Queensland has already caused significant damage, with hundreds of homes evacuated and communities left without power. Ingham, a town severely affected, saw a major bridge washed away, prompting the Australian Defence Force to step in and restore temporary access for essential supplies. Over 4,000 storm and flood-related insurance claims have been lodged, with the total damage bill still unknown.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has called for federal support to improve infrastructure resilience, including lifting bridges along the Bruce Highway to prevent future flood damage. The Commonwealth has allocated $8 million in relief funds for affected residents, but the recovery process is expected to be long and challenging.
Jake Ellwood, CEO of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, emphasized the extensive toll on mental health, alongside physical and economic impacts. “Recovery and reconstruction is not a days and weeks event—it is months and years,” he said.
As Australia braces for more severe weather, authorities are urging residents to stay informed, heed warnings, and prioritize safety. With tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, and flooding posing significant threats, communities must remain vigilant in the face of this unpredictable and dangerous weather system.
